Clearwater Beach Hotels

Looking for a place to stay in Clearwater FL? Well in our opinion the closer you can stay to the beach the better. Below is a list of some quality hotels near the ocean in Clearwater. We have them listed by proximity to the beach with a couple of hotels we especially recommend. Just click on the links to check prices and availability. Here are some additional maps and pictures of Clearwater and the surrounding areas like Indian Shores FL as well.

About Clearwater and Clearwater Beach

The Clearwater wiki gives us these details:

“Clearwater is a city located in Pinellas County, Florida, nearly due west of Tampa and northwest of St. Petersburg. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 108,787. It is the county seat of Pinellas County. Clearwater is the smallest of the three principal cities in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area, most commonly referred to as the Tampa Bay Area.”

The local chamber of commerce site has this to say about the area:

“As a year round top vacation spot, Clearwater offers a seemingly endless supply of sun and a mild and temperate climate. It is ideally situated on the Gulf of Mexico on Florida’s west coast, offering something for every visitor. With designations as Best City Beach, one of America’s Top Family Beaches, one of the Top Singles Beaches in Florida, and one of the Best Beaches from Maine to Hawaii, be assured, Clearwater boasts award winning beaches and so much more. Providing extensive water recreation and nature-based and land-based attractions as well as a wide array of special events there is plenty to see and do. Numerous opportunities exist to watch or participate in a sporting activity. The rich history and heritage of this area along with the outstanding performing and visual arts make Clearwater the perfect place to spend time in – or out of – the sun. With an abundance of choices for accommodations, dining and shopping everyone’s style and budget will be met. We look forward to welcoming you to Clearwater and exceeding your expectations!”

About the beaches

Again from the chamber of commerce site:

“Clearwater Beach is the “Best City Beach On The Gulf Of Mexico” according to Dr. Stephen Leatherman (“Dr. Beach”), a Florida International University professor who has been ranking America’s beaches for more than 15 years. Caladesi Island and Sand Key beaches have been named among the best natural beaches in the United States. Caladesi Island State Park is currently ranked #1 and previously placed second, primarily for its water quality, rustic charm, clean beaches, on-site amenities and its emphasis on wildlife. Pinellas County is the only Florida destination which can say it has two of the top 10 beaches (Fort DeSoto Park was the #1 beach in the United States in 2005). These annual ratings are based on 50 stringent criteria that cover almost every measure of beach health, including sand quality, water temperature and presence of litter. Leatherman’s list is based on personal visits and constant contact with naturalists, park rangers and scientists around the nation.

USATODAY.com readers ranked Clearwater Beach in their Top 10 list of best beaches from Maine to Hawaii. Condé Nast Traveler has also recognized Clearwater Beach as the best city beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked “best beach” by Tampa Bay Magazine. In their first ever poll, Florida Sports Magazine readers echoed “best beach in Florida.”

In addition, Clearwater is very proud to be designated a Blue Wave Beach. This designation assists the public in identifying the nation’s best beaches. This certification program, overseen by the Clean Beaches Council, promotes beaches which are managed to protect their natural assets, insuring excellence in the areas of water quality, cleanliness, safety, services, habitat conservation, information, education and erosion management. Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island and Sand Key Park beaches also received the Blue Wave Designation.

If this isn’t enough to convince you Clearwater Beach is a very special place, it has also been received the Clean Water, Clean Sand designation from the Healthy Beaches Campaign, a project of the Laboratory for Coastal Research. This designation recognizes beaches that preserve their natural resources, including wildlife, maintain EPA standards and reduce pollution. Caladesi Island State Park and Sand Key Park have also been so recognized.

Clearwater Beach is also the only beach in Pinellas County with year-round lifeguards.”

Area businesses of note: